The Alpha she wolf slipped away
she headed for the outcrop
where she had a den deep in the ground
she knew her time was near
her mate watched her go
knowing he would not be welcome
that she would birth alone
only once their eyes were open
would she let him near
for the meantime he would hunt
leave food by the entrance
while snug and warm within the den
the pups were born nine in all
at three weeks she led them out
letting them play and explore
now she welcomed her mate
proudly she showed off her pups
together they led them down the valley
to where the rest of the pack rested
each one in turn was introduced
now their care would be done by all
the young females would help to nurse
while the immature males would baby sit
for this is how a pack raises the pups
after the adults return from hunting
the pups will jump and bite at their throats
until they regurgitate the meat from the kill
eating until gorged then they sleep and grow
waiting for the day to come
when they will start the cycle over again